Stuck starter?

[Bren]

Attempted to start the sd1 before with a booster pack - engine never turned over but there was the familiar staccato of a stuck solenoid - it carried on after I removed the key. I disconnected the battery after seeing wisps of smoke from the back of the engine.

 

Not sure if it is starter/ ignition switch or low voltage. Will need to delve further.

[richardmorris]

The 2cv did this many years ago- hitting it hard with a maglite didn't help. Just quickly pulled the battery connection off. New starter and all was fine.

[sierraman]

Length of scaffold pole and a hammer. Give it a wack, should unstick it for a while.

[cobblers]

be prepared for it to happen again.

Basically the copper terminals on the solenoid have gone grotty, so they'll heat up and weld closed if worked hard. Braying it with something will knock them free but it's always going to prone to failing again.

You can often buy just the solenoid, or the contacts. They might even be serviceable with a file. There's nothing magic about a starter motor so don't be shy taking it apart on the bench, just be methodical.

[Lacquer Peel]

I like your Joan Cornella  avatar, cobblers.

[HH-R]

Could it just be smoke from wiring insulation heating up?

[KitKat]

Sounds like it could get dangerous this.....maybe change the solenoid??

[derskine]

Put it in 2nd and rock it back and forth usually unsticks it. If it's a manual, of course!